Summary
The Solon Township Board met October 8, 2026, with all five members present. The board denied, 4-1, a request to rezone the Gibson property at 2881 Aspen Drive from RA-5 to Agriculture, following extensive public comment and a Planning Commission recommendation of denial. The board approved payment of vouchers, Schoolhouse painting reimbursement, a two-year lease with the Northern Michigan Rowing Club, a sports league lease agreement, and scheduled a Public Hearing on the Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Interlocal Agreement amendment for November 12, 2026.
Public Comments
Tim Lodge, a candidate for Leelanau County Drain Commissioner, raised concerns about public funds repairing private roads and submitted a written report on the Timberlee Drainage District and Mt. Josh project, seeking board support. Kim Smith criticized the board for approving the 2027 Polka Fest lease before the Cedar Chamber of Commerce paid the $2,000.00 owed from 2026, and suggested half of lease funds go to the Parks Improvement Sinking Fund.
On the Gibson rezoning, numerous residents spoke, including Nichole McHugh (opposed, cited Planning Commission's 3-1 denial), Judy Janosik, Matt Hill (suggested compromise conditions like truck limits), Kathy Malone, Mary O'Neill, Jason Gibson (property owner), Renee Lemcool, David Gersenson (cited a private road easement restricting commercial traffic), Katrina Torgersen, Jack Barry, Donald Rousseau, and Joan Gauthier. Written letters opposing rezoning were submitted by Jack Barry, Michael Durbin, Ernest Shelp (requesting anonymity), Kathy Malone, and Nichole McHugh, citing noise, smoke, property values, and inconsistency with the Master Plan/Future Land Use Map. Tim Johnson and Karen Smith raised concerns about a dangerous intersection in Cedar; Chris Comeaux noted cameras aren't permitted and contracting the Sheriff's Department would require a millage.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Kelly Claar reported the Parks and Recreation Committee met September 21, 2026. The board approved $1,871.75 reimbursement for paint/supplies used to repaint the Solon Schoolhouse (motion by Gauthier/Claar, carried 5-0). Tree planting ($295.00 cost) at Viack's Park is planned for October 18, 2026, with 4-H assistance. Landscaping estimates for the hall were requested. A proposed Recreation lease agreement and fee schedule will return to next month's agenda.
Infrastructure Projects
Joan Gauthier is obtaining quotes from GT Maintenance and Rich Zywicki for ADA-accessible docks at the river and Solon Beach Park. Joan read an email update from Ray Pleva on the Cedar River Waterway, noting worsening grass growth, shallow channel depths, high water tables affecting multiple property owners, and the need for a boat launch replacement. Comeaux estimated a study would cost $60,000–$100,000, which the township cannot currently fund. Kelly Claar will research DNR Trust funding.
Other Business
The Planning Commission tabled PUD and ADU ordinance language and discussed B-2 zoning regarding data centers and Light Industrial definitions. The Food Truck Ordinance draft will be posted online for review before approval. The Chamber confirmed commitment to the $2,000.00 fee for 2027 and discussed Cedar intersection safety. Several items remain tabled: Short Term Rentals, MTA/Board Policies, and Master Plan.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's report showed Total Current Assets of $607,786.36, including General Savings of $296,288.42, Road Improvement Fund of $39,431.84, Fire Sinking of $194,107.34, Sidewalk Fund of $22,544.32, and Parks Improvement Fund of $40,689.44. Non-Township funds included Cedar River accounts totaling $26,078.94 and Parks and Recreation Fund of $27,714.94. Vouchers #16582-16626 were approved 5-0. NMRC lease will generate $100.00/month (May–October) and $50.00/month (November–April).
Action Items
Sara Schroeder/ZA to draft Light Industrial zoning language for Planning Commission. Shirley Mikowski to follow up with Bob Novak on Township Hall painting inspection/cost. Chris Comeaux to have township attorney review the Fire Interlocal Agreement amendment before the November 12 Public Hearing. Renee Lemcool to bring Chamber's safety/crosswalk proposals back to the board. Joan Gauthier and Kelly Claar to obtain dock cost estimates for next month. Kelly Claar to research DNR Trust funding for the Cedar River Waterway. The Gibson rezoning denial followed significant public conflict between the applicant and multiple neighboring residents/written commenters over noise, smoke, and zoning precedent concerns.